Scott Dunlap's blog of trail running, ultrarunning, triathlon, and other life adventures. I enjoy the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of outdoor events and the chance to meet cool people. This blog contains interviews, research, original fiction, new product ideas, and all things trail running.

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Just a quick reminder for Boston Marathon fans - the registration process will open next Monday, September 9, 2013 at 7:00 a.m. PST. This is the first day of the "rolling registration" that allows faster qualifiers to register first, as used for the 2012 and 2013 editions. So if you beat your Boston Qualifying time (BQ) by 20 minutes or more, you're up!!!!

You aren't the first group, however, as there was a special registration for the 5,624 runners who were stopped on the course and unable to finish due to the tragic bombings. Over 4,500 runners elected to return, which is awesome! The race cap was raised to 36,000 runners for 2014 (nearing the peak the BAA had for the centennial race in 1996), so there should be plenty of space for everyone

Not that it's going to be easy to get in, mind you. The standards are tougher (see table below), and I have met many-a-runner inspired to renew their BQ goals to be a part of the "healing year" for this great American race. If my very small sample size is any indication, I suspect there will be 20-30% more runners ready to apply. So if it's important to you, be sure to register as soon as you can.

(If search queries are any indication, there is lots of demand for 2014)

I'm looking forward to the 2014 Boston Marathon with great anticipation. My original goal was to streak ten Boston's (I still can't recall where this goal came from....beer was certainly involved), and this will be #10. But more importantly, I hope my participation will further honor the community of Boston and celebrate their extraordinary strength and resolve. I know they've got my back, so I'm coming back!

More detailed information about qualifying/registering for Boston can be found at www.baa.org.

7 comments:

I just finished my first week of rest since falling off the Matterhorn (ha, ha), and I'm still not quite able to run, and DEFINITELY not able to swim. If you've ever had bruised/cracked ribs, you know what it's like - as soon as you feel fine, you keel over while getting dressed because it tugged at the sore muscles in just the wrong way.

I suspect I'm a DNS for ILT, but will head up to Tahoe anyway to volunteer and be a part of it. Don't tell the voice in my head that is still counting on toeing the line...maybe there's a chance, just maybe...

A cracked rib can be unbelievably painful, and as you say, it can get you at the weirdest times. (And seems to take forever to heal.)

Congrats on your Boston streak! (Your video from last year of the Scream Tunnel was amazing!) I'm not one for big events and I have zero chances at qualifying, but can't wait to hear about 2014. That's going to be a very emotional day.

About Me

I'm a technology entrepreneur who took up trail running and triathloning back in 2001 to get off the work treadmill and see a bit more of the outdoors. I also love to eat, so the exercise helps me justify those extra helpings. ;oP I'm always interested in learning more about trail running - please comment and link away!

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